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Press Release - Chicago Airport System
For Immediate Release:
August 31, 2004
Contact Information:
Annette Martinez
(773) 686-3700
THE CHICAGO AIRPORT SYSTEM TO OFFER WI-FI SERVICE AT O’HARE & MIDWAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS
Department of Aviation officials today announced Chicago Concourse Development Group as the company to provide wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) service at Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway International airports. Full award of the concession contract requires Aviation Committee and City Council approval.
"Wi-Fi will enable our passengers at O’Hare and Midway to directly link to the Internet, send e-mails, or surf our Web site to discover the wide variety of restaurants and shops conveniently located throughout our terminals," said Aviation Commissioner John A. Roberson.
Chicago Concourse Development Group is a "neutral" host that offers Wi-Fi users wireless access regardless of which carrier they use. "Our ultimate goal is to offer our passengers the best quality service and the widest array of provider choices," added Roberson.
The system is expected to be operational early next year and will allow for high-speed wireless Internet access throughout both airports. Essentially, the Wi-Fi provider radiates an Internet connection to users within designated areas. Currently at O’Hare, only members of VIP airline lounges can access Wi-Fi service.
The Department of Aviation received nine responses to a Request for Proposals (RFP) from companies offering Wi-Fi service. An internal committee, including an independent consultant, conducted a preliminary review of the submitted proposals. Chicago Concourse Development Group was selected as the most responsive to the RFP.
Chicago Concourse Development Group is a joint venture between Chicago Concourse (70%) and E-Communications (30%). Economic Disclosure Statements (EDS) show Chicago Concourse is wholly owned by Concourse Communications Group. E-Communications is owned by Ray Chinn; Ardmore & Associates L.L.C, owned by Cherryl Thomas; and Rico Enterprises, owned by John Rico.
Concourse Communications provides Wi-Fi service to major U.S. airports and other commercial venues, including New York and New Jersey Port Authority (LaGuardia, JFK and Newark), Detroit Wayne County Metropolitan, Nashville International, and Minneapolis/St. Paul International airports. Locally, Concourse Communication provides Wi-Fi service at the Chicago Field Museum.
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